One of the most frequently asked questions about service dogs and their access concerns schools. Schools are considered public spaces, while some states are very clear on this point by making statements such as “public or privately funded educational facilities…”; other states are more general about “public spaces.” Federal law supersedes all state laws and requires access to these canine tools, however this is not an invitation for schools to dump countless dogs on them. There are some guidelines. The ADA (American With Disabilities Act) guarantees access to all tools used by a person with a disability so that those tools can help them expand their independence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The ADA is clear that facilities must allow tools to enter and have adequate access to the environment but, that the facility (often the school) is not responsible for the tool. This means that the school cannot be asked or required to provide an aide, teacher or other member of staff to supervise the dog and child during the school day. If the child is capable of being fully responsible for the dog in public (this is often demonstrated through passing a public access test provided by the training organization - see www.ADOnline.org for a sample test) then the child /dog group should be allowed full access to school. When a child is able to pass this test without the help of a parent or guardian, he or she has full access to malls, shops, and even school. Schools should allow reasonable accommodations for the child/canine team by having outdoor waste containers near the accessible area the child will use for dog bathing needs and possibly adjusting classroom chairs to allow for space necessary for the dog. It is not expected or required by the school that a person looks after the dog for the child. Schools should be aware that fears and allergies are considered by the ADA to be invalid reasons to refuse a service dog. They should also be aware that while they can request information about dogs, they cannot request it, such as rabies certifications. Often parents and students are willing to provide this information to help the school be more confident in supporting the student's needs, but they don't. do so out of a desire to work with the school: a request will often be met with success while a requirement will be met with hostility and often defiance. Parents need to remember that this is a tool to help their children and not a battle of wills. As parents, many ask too much of the school. School is there for many children, not just one. They have valid concerns and questions that need to be answered respectfully: Offer to invite someone to school for a meeting or assembly to address these questions. Remember not to ask for more than reasonable accommodations for your child. On average, children are in their early teens before they can successfully and independently take a public entrance test. There may be some children outside this range, but between the ages of 12 and 14 most children will attempt the test on their own. Until then the children are supported. (see our facilitation information for more details) Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In short, it's like having a driver's permit for a car; you can drive.